Multi-instrumentalist Kendall Leonard was the producer and musical mastermind behind Mia Miata's Urban Arias album. Since the debut release of the Tha Corporation label was a stunning success it's time for Kendall to step into the spotlight and release his debut album as the second release on Tha Corporation. Like their initial release this is an album full of quality music.
A big surprise may be that Kendall not only plays numerous instruments but is also a good singer who on some songs reminds me slightly of Alexander O'Neal in his Tabu/Flyte Tyme days. In fact, even Kendall's sound is more a sophisticated modern progression of the funkier and jazzier Flyte Tyme tunes than the neo-soul we find on Mia Miata's album. But this - of course - is further proof for Kendall's versatility.
The album starts with the smooth jazz influenced Memories that features some fine sax playing by Kendall.
With Are You Ready? we get the first highlight on this album. With Tanya Lemaitre as co-lead singer this is a catchy midtempo duet that has all the right ingredients to become a favourite on discerning radio stations.
Back In The Day is an ode to days gone by when everything appears to be better and more carefree. To some extent this may be right, but with music like this it sounds like brighter days are ahead.
And Kendall has got the right music to brighten up your day or night. Take Love Is A Remedy for example, a beautiful downtempo tune with Dr Leonard giving us the essential dose of music as panacea.
His prescription contains more quality songs like the funky grooves of New Thing, or Ibo, or the midtempo goodies of Keep On Loving You, I Want To Know, or Visions Of You.
Fine instrumentals like Sunshine On A Rainy Day or Lamentations complete a good and coherent album that puts Kendall and Tha Corporation on the list of artists and labels to watch.